Readers' Custom Trucks - Readers' Rides - January 2004

Editor's Note: Getting your truck into Readers' Rides is a snap - of the camera, that is. All it takes is a couple of good-quality photos of your ride that are in focus and well lit. Due to the volume of mail we receive, we regret that we cannot return photographs. Please shoot and send photos of your truck only (no people, pets, Polaroids, or printouts) to: Truckin' Magazine, Readers' Rides, 2100 E. Howell Ave., Ste. 209, Anaheim, CA 92806. It is important that you include a detailed description of the modifications you have made to your truck, including any interesting stories behind it. This can include information about the buildup or any special history the truck has.

Hot-Rod HaulerJohn Johnson is known for cruising the streets of Brunswick, Georgia, in his '01 Chevy Silverado. The first ordeal was to install a set of 22-inch aftermarket wheels with Spintech Spinners wrapped in Pirelli Scorpion tires. The front end features a Chevy Big Mouth grille topped off by a cowl-induction hood. The rear end was completed with a Sir Michaels roll pan and a shaved tailgate handle. John's ride also has a 2-inch drop, tinted windows, and window vents.

Highway To HellAl Wagstaff of Binghamton, New York, tells us that he's on the highway to hell in his '99 Dodge Dakota R/T. Al's truck runs a 5.9L V-8 Magnum with a K&N cool air intake and a stainless steel dual exhaust. The 'Kota sits on 17x9-inch factory wheels encased by P275/50R17 Nitto tires. The exterior is outfitted with an A.R.E. fiberglass tonneau with wing, billet antenna, third brake light cover, and APC clear corner and taillights. Outlaw Custom Paint professionally applied the custom flame graphics. Upcoming upgrades include Colorado Custom Fire wheels and custom R/T decals.

Grab Life By The HornsChris Toth of Shinnston, West Virginia, decided to grab life by the horns when he purchased this cool '02 Dodge Dakota. The Dodge has numerous upgrades including a speed grille, APC Diamond clear corners, APC Euro taillights, an aluminum Mopar fuel door, and an Extang tarp. The 'Kota sits on 17-inch R/T wheels encased in P275/60R17 Goodyear Wrangler HP rubber. Inside the cab, Nu-Image Platinum gauges, a brushed aluminum dash kit, and Husky floor mats were installed. Chris plans to install a Shaker hood as his next modification.

Southern ComfortChris Bowen from Bainbridge, Georgia, is the lucky owner of this cool '94 Chevy Silverado. The truck was purchased stock, but as you can see, it didn't remain that way. Chris started by adding a cowl-induction hood and a chrome speed grille flanked by APC Diamond Clear headlights to spice up the front end. APC Super Sport mirrors were added along with chrome sidebars for easier access to the cockpit. The truck was also given window vents, APC Euro taillights, and a toolbox. For the interior, Chris installed Nu-Image flame gauges and Smittybilt seats. A dual Flowmaster exhaust system provides the roar.

Sweet ExplorerIt doesn't get much nicer than this '00 Ford Explorer Sport owned by Chris Noyes of Glendale, California. The Ford features 20-inch Mondera Davanti wheels encased in Nitto rubber. For suspension, Chris installed a Firestone fast-'bag front and rear air suspension. Body modifications include TYC Altezza taillights and clear corners, a billet grille, and window tint. The interior has two 12-inch Eclipse subwoofers with a Hifonics amplifier and clear gauges. Chris plans to install a custom body kit and give it a new paintjob, aftermarket exhaust, and leather interior.

1Bad RangerWhen building a custom truck, you have to be confident in your abilities. Justin Bertalotto of Houston, Texas, is so confident, he states that it won't be long before you see his truck on the cover. It's hard to argue when you consider his '02 Ford Ranger features a four-link air suspension with 1/2-inch lines, a nitrogen bottle, two VIAIR compressors, and a 6-gallon holding tank. The impressive rolling stock consists of 20-inch Helo Skids encased with P245/35R20 Nitto 555 Extreme Performance tires. Other modifications include clear corners, Euro taillights, and a Flowmaster exhaust. For on-board entertainment, the cockpit features a Pioneer unit with a 10.4-inch monitor and a PlayStation 2.

The Latest TrenzIf you're new to the sport and are looking for some cool upgrades for your ride, take a good look at Robert Doyle's '02 Ford F-150. Doyle, a resident from Glendora, California, started by installing a RCD 6-inch lift kit with a RCD rear traction arm system. The Ford was then fitted with 17-inch Center Line Sunray II wheels wrapped with BFGoodrich rubber. The bed of the truck was covered with a Bedrug kit and topped off by a Gaylords lid. The Billet Superstore supplied a billet engine bay kit and a billet interior kit. Other exterior mods include Westin side steps and a Westin bull bar. For added performance, Robert installed a JET Performance throttle-body spacer, Volant air intake, and a Flowmaster exhaust. The interior has flamed Trenz pedals and a Nu-Image flamed gauge panel, along with a Kenwood Excelon head unit with Infinity speakers and a Sirius satellite. Plans include a 3-inch body lift and larger tires.

Head-Turning 4runnerMiami, Florida-resident Freddy Duron has such a nice-looking '96 4Runner SR5, you'd have to be blind not to notice it. His truck is outfitted with a sport hoodscoop, a chrome brushguard, and taillight guards. The wheelwells feature 20-inch KMC Zones mounted with Goodyear GT II rubber. For an extra boost, an Injen cold air intake and a Flowmaster exhaust were installed instead of the stock items. The exterior modifications are not the only reason you notice Freddy's ride: A Kenwood head unit with two amplifiers pushing two 12-inch subwoofers screams attention. If that's not enough, a supercharger and chrome nerf bars will soon be featured.